Waiting for Your Cat to Bark?, the newest book from Jeffrey and Bryan Eisenberg and Lisa Davis hit the shelves June 12th.

After reading the reviews, this is one book I plan to read.

Here's the scoop - it's about persuading customers to do business with you when they ignore marketing. Read an excerpt from the book here….

In the book, you'll learn:
- How the customer's buying process works in a cross-channel, new media-driven marketplace
- Why customers respond differently today than they used to
- How to use the Web to generate persuasive momentum across multiple channels
- How the various touch-points within a business affect each other
- How to guide prospects through the buying process at every customer touch-points
- How personality traits influence customer behavior online and offline
- How to anticipate the different angles from which customers approach your business
- How to identify and provide meaningful answers to your customers' questions at each stage of their buying process
- How to begin implementing Persuasion Architecture™ techniques for your business

This is a book everyone in the business world is going to be talking about soon. Why not be one of the first?

Okay - so you're still busy. In that case, I'll get right to it…

In this issue you'll find a major tool to help clear your head, a recommended book to check out, and a simple question to help you stay focused on what's important in your life.

So - even though you're busy - I hope you'll take a couple minutes for a quick read…

IN THIS ISSUE
Part 1 - Operation Brain Dump
Part 2 - Resource Showcase
Part 3 - Personal Reflections
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PART 1: Operation Brain Dump

This past week I wrote a piece for an online magazine and called it “You’ve been asked to give a workshop – now what?” Based on my own experience and the experiences of clients that I’ve shared this technique with, the process I outlined in that article applies to many things in our lives – both business and pleasure.

So – whether you’re restructuring your company, planning a wedding or making a move, preparing a workshop, or developing your website, this process that I call “Operation Brain Dump” will help you. It’s an excellent tool for clearing your mind and gaining focus.

To give you the step-by-step process for “Operation Brain Dump” I’ve customized the content of the original article to add it to my 7 Essentials Series. And, for ease and clarity, I’ve written it from the perspective of preparing to deliver a workshop. Remember - this process can be used to help you get clarity in just about anything.

To access your copy of the 7 Essentials for Sharpening Focus, click here

PART 2: Resource Showcase

Of the variety of books I’m reading right now, there’s one I highly recommend. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, or anyone else who has young girls in your life, this groundbreaking book is “written with authority and passion, and filled with eye-opening, real-life stories.”

Here’s an excerpt from one site that talks about the book, "Stressed-out Girls" and a link where you can learn more.

“In “Stressed-out Girls," bestselling author and clinical psychologist Roni Cohen-Sandler provides an inside look at how the achievement frenzy is hurting this generation of girls. Trying desperately to shine academically, juggle hectic extracurricular activities, become popular, look great, and get into elite colleges, teenage girls feel compelled to hide their distress from the teachers and families they want to please – and often become disconnected from their true selves in the process. The pressure to “do it all” becomes debilitating – diminishing girls’ self-esteem and motivation, their health, and ultimately, undermining their ability to actually be successful.”

Read more here www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?isbn=067003438x

PART 3: Personal Reflections

Last night I rehearsed with a group of musicians and singers - some of us had played together before and some of us had not. We had all been recruited to provide music at an upcoming conference and were now practicing together for the first time. I looked around and felt very privileged to be part of this select group.

The evening was significant because, earlier in the day, I had been reviewing the commitments on my plate. You see - I love variety which means that my life tends to include a range of activities – music, gardening, community and church boards, family and friends, and of course – business.

But being busy and being balanced in that busy-ness are two different things. Through the years, I’ve learned to keep myself in check so that I don’t get into overload. And music is one area of my life that helps me maintain that balance. I'm grateful for the ability to still do something I absolutely love.

What are you doing in your life that gives you a lot of pleasure and helps you maintain balance?

1. My husband and I just got back from a fabulous, four-day getaway at an incredible service-driven B & B – www.evergreen-bb.com.
2. I’m taking most of tomorrow off to celebrate my birthday.
3. I feel very privileged to be working with clients who are growing and making a difference. They are bright, energetic people who are not afraid to explore new ways of doing things in order to have the business they envision and to live the life they want.

Eric is one such client – and a senior manager in a major corporation. Today, he sent me this note and, with his permission, I’m sharing it with you here.

“Hi Ann

Eric”

Thanks, Eric. Your courage makes the difference.

Ann Griffiths
ann@smartstrategiesinc.com

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IN THIS ISSUE
Part 1 - Managing Perception
Part 2 - Showcase - And the Winner is…
Part 3 - Personal Reflections
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PART 1: Managing Perception

Over this past month, I was the key note speaker at two retreats and presented a marketing lecture at the School of Women’s Ministries that trains women to work with women. It’s been a busy time – and a whole lot of fun.

After delivering the lecture and looking over recent emails from ezine readers, I decided that marketing would be a good topic for the next installment of my “7 Essentials” series.

Why? Because everyone who is responsible for marketing their business or organization has to, from time to time, take themselves back to basics.

Did you know that in the 1968 edition of Webster’s Dictionary, the word “Marketing” doesn’t even show up? A more recent dictionary gives the definition as – “an aggregate of functions involved in moving goods from producer to consumer.”

In other words, marketing is the sum or accumulation of everything we’ve done and do to get someone to respond to what we’re promoting. And all those things we’ve done and do, combine to shape what people think. Each strategy, activity, tactic…contributes to how people perceive us.

Over the years, I’ve heard so many definitions of “Marketing” but the best so far is one I read this past month – “marketing is the management of perception.” I love it.

Marketing is about managing people’s perceptions toward what you want them to respond to. It doesn’t mean that it’s about being deceptive or manipulative. It means that we are being real. If we say one thing but do another then we are being deceptive and our message is a lie. And no venture has had long-term success based on lies.

Reviewing marketing basics reminds us to take a step back and focus on what’s important as we market to the people we’re trying to reach. I hope you will take a look at the 7 Essentials for Marketing Success – the next in the 7 Essentials series.

As you read through it, ask yourself:
1. How does my target audience perceive my business/organization today?
2. How do I want my target audience to perceive my business?
3. What do I need to do to make a difference in how they perceive my business?

To access your copy of the 7 Essentials for Marketing Success, click here

Note: If you missed “7 Essentials for Igniting Passion” you can find it by clicking here

PART 2: Showcase - And the Winner is…

On April 3rd, The International Coach Federation, Vancouver Chapter, announced the 2006 PRISM Award winner (Quality Move Management Allied International). They also awarded runner up to my client, Dave Coates and his team at ErgoRisk Management Group www.ergorisk.com

The Prism Award celebrates businesses and organizations that have achieved tangible bottom-line benefits and other organizational impacts through professional coaching as a leadership strategy.

In his acceptance speech, Dave said that the results he has seen from using coaching as a key business strategy this past year include:
- Renewed leadership confidence and focus
- Energized and committed employees
- Improved communication skills
- Successful negotiation in acquiring a competitor’s company
- Addition of a Calgary office
- A 43% increase in net profits over 2004
- A healthier marriage

Congratulations, Dave. It’s an award well earned.

PART 3: Personal Reflections

A couple of days ago, I was working in the garden with two little helpers who were eager to learn what was a “keeper” flower and what was a “wayside” flower. Near the end of our time, 9-year-old Victoria said, “Grandma, you sure know a lot.”

One day she will find out that I don’t know as much as she thinks I know and that I, like her, am learning. For now, I am grateful for the opportunity to share with my grandchildren what my grandma taught me.

Each year that a birthday comes around, I can’t help but be thankful for a successful business that allows me to do the things I love to do, health and strength to enjoy the activities that enhance my life, amazing husband, children, and grandchildren who care about one another and love being together, genuine friends who challenge each other and openly laugh and cry together (even if some are oceans away), and so much more.

My number one core value is Relationships which, for me, means developing lasting and meaningful memories in and through loving relationships with my husband, children, grandchildren, and close friends.

Whether I’m drumming with my son, at the theatre with my daughter, talking on the phone or gardening with my grandchildren, having a family party or spending time with friends it’s all about developing lasting and meaningful memories.

What kinds of memories are you building? I hope you’re making time in your busy schedule to do what’s important to you?

“Starting the Smart Business School Gym is the next logical step to the coaching experience I’ve had with you this past year. The team and I are using this program to stay focused on the growth of the company, enhance our individual leadership skills, and develop well-managed accountable systems to continue building a strong and profitable business. Direct feedback that I’ve received from each of the managers involved in the program has been filled with enthusiasm for our current direction and their participation in the coaching process.” Dave

If you, or someone you know, is ready to take advantage of a tailored SBS Gym program, let me know asap.

Have a great month.

Ann Griffiths
ann@smartstrategiesinc.com

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IN THIS ISSUE
Part 1 - Passion Lives Here - So What?
Part 2 - Resource Showcase
Part 3 - Personal Reflections
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PART 1: Passion Lives Here - So What?

Last month, I focused on the three words that were all over the Winter Olympics signage in Torino, Italy – “Passion Lives Here.” And I said that we’d take a closer look at it this month.

So – how is your passion? Is it alive? Is it powerful? Is it full of enthusiasm?

Let’s be honest. It isn’t always – right?

Sometimes we get so caught up in day-to-day demands and activities that we lose sight of our vision. Our goals are unclear because we’re too busy dealing with the urgent - like where the next client or project is coming from or how we’ll pay our bills this month. And we begin to wonder why we’re doing all this “stuff” anyway.

If you haven’t clearly written down your values and vision for your life it will be even harder to feel any kind of passion because you’re not sure what you’re working toward. You’re lost in a major desert sandstorm.

Okay – about now, you’re probably saying “Uncle! Stop reminding me what it feels like to struggle with my passion.” So let’s talk about it. You may not feel like passion lives here anymore so let's look at how to get it to move back in. “The 7 Essentials for Igniting Passion.” Click here for your Free Copy

PART 2: Resource Showcase

1. Tech Esteem
I’d like to introduce you to a friend and colleague of mine – Sandra De Freitas, better known as “The Tech Coach” who really knows her stuff. In her last ezine she talked about offering “the how-to kit for just less than the price of the already made product.” And that got me thinking that you might like to hear about her.

Sandra is building a business that offers both the “how to” and the finished product. She is an innovator in developing personal technology programs that teach and motivate people to use today’s technology trends to promote their businesses and careers. Check out her website and ezine where she teaches business people to boost their Tech Esteem by showing them how to solve their personal technology challenges. www.techcoachforcoaches.com

2. Your Greatest Challenge
Thank you to everyone who sent me their answer to last month’s question – “What is the greatest challenge you face in your business?” You can expect to see some products coming from me and my laptop in the near future. They’ll be a mix of free short-reads as well as longer affordable writings. If you still want to send your thoughts feel free to email them to me at ann@smartstrategiesinc.com

PART 3: Personal Reflections

Our family loves to celebrate birthdays. And this past week, we celebrated a big one. Our son turned 30.

James is a very responsible, talented, great-with-people kind of guy – someone you’d definitely want on your side in an emergency. But he doesn’t like a lot of “hoop-la” over his birthday. A month ago, he made it very clear that he didn’t want a big party planned – and then went on to tell us that what he’d really love to do is get a sitter for our four grandchildren (our daughter & son-in-law’s two and our son & daughter-in-law’s two) and the six of us go out for dinner and a movie. So we planned a full night and had a great time.

But it’s what took place in the afternoon that really added to the celebrations. Here’s what happened.

James and I told the family that we were going to go to the church where I had received permission for the two of us to play on their full set of acoustic drums. Yes – we both play. Our plan was to have a mother and son drum fest. Drum to our hearts content – just the two of us.

Well – as soon as the spouses and grandchildren heard what we were up to – everyone wanted to come. And they did.

We had a great time - we laughed - we made another family memory. And – oh yes – our son-in-law video taped us playing. And our 10-year-old grandson went home saying, "None of my friends' grandmas can do what my grandma does."

If you’re interested in taking a peak at the two of us enjoying our mother and son bond and gift of music, click on this link. It was a blast.
James & Ann Drum Off

As part of the festivities, James and I got permission to use a drum set for a little Mother & Son Drum Off - just the two of us. But it didn't take long for the rest of the family to get in on the act - complete with video camera.

We had a great time - we laughed - we experimented - we made another memory and had some good ol' family fun.

It was a blast. And our 10-year-old grandson (James' son) went home saying, "None of my friends have grandmas who can do what my grandma can do."

If you can't see or hear the video after you've clicked on play, you may need to update your Flash Player. click here to download Flash upgrade

Enjoy. We did.

MVI_8190.flv

MVI_8216.flv

If you haven't yet had the opportunity to send your answer, you can still do that by emailing me. My offer still stands that if you respond with an answer, I'll send you a free copy of the e-book when it's ready later this year…

In the Showcase Section of this issue of The Smart Factor you will find a couple of added value opportunities. I look forward to your feedback on these resources.

Have a great month. Spring is almost here.

IN THIS ISSUE
Part 1 - Passion Lives Here
Part 2 - Resource Showcase
Part 3 - Personal Reflections
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PART 1: Passion Lives Here

It’s hard to miss the Winter Olympics Games these days. Every move that our athletes make is broadcast live on television from Italy and covered online and in print media. And if you’re not able to catch the real-time broadcasts, the events are repeated later in the day and highlighted during the news.

There are also some memorable commercials running during the Games – especially the Tim Horton’s ad featuring a Chinese grandfather and son at the grandson’s hockey game as well as Bell’s series of ads with a very funny pair of Canadian beavers whose names are Frank and Gordon.

But, for me, there’s one thing that stands out above everything else. It shows up on places like the medals podium, in the ice for the hockey games, above the skaters’ “kiss and cry” area, at the top of the ski and bobsled runs, and at the speed-skating rinks. It’s only three words but it carries a punch – Passion Lives Here.

Note: If you think you know what font it’s designed in, please let me know.

So – how’s your passion? Is it alive? Where does it live?

Like I’ve said many times in workshops, if we honor our values, have a clear vision of where we will be a year from now, and have set S.M.A.R.T. goals that we’re achieving by being consistent in our weekly and daily activities, we will be living our purpose. And it’s passion that will drive the whole process.

In the definition of passion, four words stand out to me – powerful emotion & boundless enthusiasm. These words speak volumes and deserve a closer look.

Next time, we’ll look at these four words and the role they play in the passion that drives us toward fulfilling our vision and achieving our goals. Until then, think about your passion and ask yourself “How do I show that my passion lives here?”

PART 2: Resource Showcase

1. This could make a difference to you
“Ann, I love the idea but would you consider running a customized program for me and my senior people.”

I received this message from a client when I announced the Smart Business School program that brings different business owners and their teams together in a one-year coaching and training program.

He went on to say, “This program has what we need but I’d like to have it run with me and my team on our own. And I’m prepared to bring each of my team into Vancouver for the quarterly workshops.”

Within a couple of days, we agreed on the details to fill their needs and were up and running.

More and more, I find that business owners want a group coaching & training program that is customized or tailored to them, their team needs, and where they want to go as a company.

If this describes you – let’s talk.

I’m prepared to discuss the creation of a tailored Smart Business School program for you and your team. And where you’re located geographically is not an issue. Send me an email at ann@smartstrategiesinc.com and let’s explore what we can do together to help you and your team take your business in the direction you want to go.
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2. Business Mastermind for Women
Over breakfast a couple of weeks ago, I talked with a friend and fellow business owner about the need to find a format that would enable women business owners to:
• vocalize what’s going on in their personal and professional life
• identify issues they’re facing in their businesses
• support each other in their growth
• share and recommend resources

By the time we were finished breakfast I had jotted down notes on an idea that I’d been thinking about for a while – a Business Mastermind for Women. And I was ready to put it into action.

To explore being part of this group that will start in March, send me an “I’m interested” email at ann@smartstrategiesinc.com and I’ll be in touch with the details so you can make a knowledgeable decision about your involvement. The group will be limited to a maximum of 10 women.

Preliminary requirements –
• you are a bright, energetic woman business owner
• you have a full-time business
• you are eager to move forward
• you are actively involved day-to-day in your business
• you have been in business for at least 2 years
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3. Your questions matter
This month I received my copy of Esteem Magazine and eagerly flipped through it to find the inaugural printing of my column called Your Questions Matter. It was fun to write and I look forward to continuing it in months to come. Check it out at www.esteemmagazine.com/ask.html

You can also learn more about the publication and take a look at a number of good articles like “Baby Boomers & the Fulfillment Ethic” or “Canada’s Most Powerful Women” or a profile on Football Coach Mike Pin Ball Clemons, and more – www.esteemmagazine.com

PART 3: Personal Reflections

This may sound weird but – I like spring cleaning. I don’t necessarily plan to do it. It just happens. I wake up one morning (usually over the weekend) and decide to clean out a cupboard or a box of “stuff” that’s been sitting in a closet all winter (or maybe two winters).

Two Saturdays ago, as I finished having coffee with a couple of friends, we talked about what we were going to do that afternoon.

“I feel like going home to clean out my dresser drawers and reorganize them,” I said.

Both my friends looked at me like I was crazy and then one of them gave what they both agreed was great advice – “Go home and lay down until the feeling passes.”

We all laughed and then I went home and did exactly what I said I’d do. And it got me thinking (it’s amazing what comes to mind when you’re cleaning) –

Sometimes, we need to do something that others think is crazy. They look at what we want to accomplish and tell us it’s too much work or too risky or too…

Sometimes, we need to listen to them and go lay down until the feeling passes. But more often than not we need to weigh what they’ve said and then, if we disagree with them, get up and do something.

So here’s the question – What opportunity is about to pass you by because you decided to lie down until the feeling passed? Is it time to get up yet?

Once we settle on our vision for the coming year and set our goals to achieve it, we can often find ourselves having to make decisions on issues that could make or break the achievement of our vision.

This issue of The Smart Factor:
- gives you a tool to help in your decision-making,
- launches a program that has been almost a year and a half in the making,
- includes you in the writing of future e-books, and
- exposes a decision I recently made in my own life.

As always, I look forward to hearing your ideas of other topics you'd like to see covered in this ezine. Your feedback is VERY valuable. Thanks in advance…

IN THIS ISSUE
Part 1 - The MOWT Approach
Part 2 - Showcase - The Smart Business School
Part 3 - Personal Reflections
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PART 1: The MOWT Approach
In one of the books I received this past Christmas, there were three words that caught my eye and began to percolate into ideas. Those ideas then evolved into what I dubbed “The MOWT Approach.” - a process that takes decsion-making to a whole new level.

We all face issues in life where we have to make a decsion about something that doesn't easily lend itself to a black or white direction. Our minds become gray with scenarios and we wrestle with the 'what if's' of our jumbled choices. Sometimes were not even clear on what all our options are.

You may be in such a position now. "The MOWT Approach" will help you look at your situation through different lenses. Here's how the first four steps of this process works.

Let’s assume you’ve outgrown your office and need to figure out what to do about the cramped space.

Step 1: Microscope - Look at the decision you have to make through a microscope (figuratively speaking of course). List all the details relevant to your situation. What brought you to this juncture?

Step 2: Options - As a result of reviewing the details, identify your options. You may come up with 2, 3, or 4. For our example, let’s say you have four and they are:
- move to new larger office
- reduce staff
- renovate space next to current office
- do nothing this year (yes – it’s an option)

Step 3: Wide-angle lens - Look at EACH option through a wide-angle lens and ask, “What are the immediate consequences if I choose this option?” Ask this question of each option.

Step 4: Telescope - Look at EACH option through a telescope and ask, “What are the long-term implications if I go with this option?” Again, ask this question of each option.

It’s amazing what you’ll see when you look through each of the different lenses. Hey - you may even discover an option you hadn’t thought of.

PART 2: The Smart Business School
I’m very excited to be able to tell you that The Smart Business School is ready to launch. Starting in February, you will be able to get the best of both worlds –
1. Coaching and support for you and
2. Training for your staff

It’s all in one place and it’s all at a rate that’s below the cost of one-on-one coaching for you alone.

Once you check out this link - The Smart Business School - I believe you’ll agree that this is a program both you and your team can benefit from – a program that will support you in growing your business and allow you to have a life while doing it.

Take a look at The Smart Business School for all the benefits that come with this program. And then make the decision to join us on an adventure you will not regret. This program will make your business an even greater viable and profitable enterprise. The bonus is that the fun is included.

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I would really like your help. And I'll make it worth your while.

This year, I plan to publish a series of e-books to help business owners in the growth of their businesses. While I will draw on my own experiences and the tools I've developed throughout my career, I believe that the most important step in this writing venture is to ask you, my ezine readers, what kind of content you would find the most useful.

So - to help me accomplish this, would you please send me a quick email with the answer to this one question - "What is the greatest challenge you face in growing your business?"

For everyone who responds with an answer, I will give you a free copy of my first e-book when it comes out later this year.

Please send your answers to me at ann@smartstrategiesinc.com

PART 3: Personal Reflections
Most of you know, from reading my newsletters, that I love music. And that means pretty much any kind of music.

Being a drummer, I enjoy the energy and down-right fun that comes from playing with a group of fellow musicians. When we meet to practice or perform, other responsibilities become lost in a sea of notes.

As much as I love making music with my drums (yes – it is possible) I’ve wanted to learn to play the violin for more years than I care to admit. But life and time always got in the way and my desire kept getting relegated to the back burner.

More time went by and I began to wonder whether my fingers would be nimble enough to play such a beautiful instrument. I had to get past the idea that taking up the violin was only for the very young.

My 8-year old granddaughter started taking lessons and I longed to pick up her violin. So – I finally did it. Two weeks ago my friend graciously leant me her violin (thanks Bev), I found a teacher, and went to my first lesson – then my second. It’s amazing. I LOVE IT.

I’ll never be a Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg – but that’s not why I’m doing it. Take it from me – no matter how old you are, if you have a spark of a dream, it’s never too late to try something new.

After all the kick-back time, how many of you are having a challenge getting back into the swing of things? It happens. Don't sweat it. You may just need a shot in the arm to get you focused. And here it is.

If you aren't on my ezine mailing list then you probably haven't heard about the Get Your Year In Gear virtual program (includes a complete toolkit) that I'm making available to you. Check it out here Get Your Year In Gear.

If you're not sure about whether this is for you - here's a 5-minute video called "Sharpen Your Saw" from Sherman Hu. He put the Get Your Year In Gear principles into place in 2003 and hasn't looked back. Take a look at the difference it has made in his life.

If you have trouble viewing the video, there is a link just below the video window where you can update your Flash. Here's the video. Enjoy and then decide on Get Your Year In Gear. Sharpen Your Saw by Sherman Hu

Here's what Janet, a participant in this past Fall's GYYIG program has to say about it.

"This was my first experience in a tele-class with lessons emailed to me and then being able to call in to ask questions that met my specific needs. I was impressed with the great tools and structure and loved that it started with big picture and got down to daily time and task management.

The program is also about our whole life and achieving great balance, not just about managing our business life. It’s a wonderful model of integrated life planning that will help me focus on ALL things important in my life." Janet Frood, London, ON

To get the full details on this incredible program that will give you what you need to have the best start to a year you've ever had, go to Get Your Year In Gear

'TWAS THE WEEK BEFORE THE NEW YEAR

The week before the New Year is one of my favorite weeks of the whole year. It’s a time to relax with family, friends, and the book(s) I got for Christmas. It’s also the time when I reflect on accomplishments and frustrations of the past year and solidify visions for each area of my life and the coming year.

From there I identify 90-day and 30-day goals by asking, “If I am to achieve what I envision for this year, what do I have to accomplish in the first quarter of the year?” And then, “What do I need to do in January in order to achieve my 90-day goals?”

Yes - I really do this. Ask my family. And if you really want to have fun - sit down with your spouse and/or adult children or best friend (after you've all gone through the process) and share your visions for the new year with each other.

Something else happens during this wonderful relaxing yet invigorating week.

It all started a few years ago when I decided to zero in on a one-word theme for the coming year. Back then, the themes were words like “peace” and “balance” and “profitability.” I’ve always found it amazing that, as I look back on a year, the word I chose at the beginning of the year really did describe what I learned in that year or how that year ended up.

Since choosing that first word (way back when), I've continued to identify a one-word theme during the week before January 1 of every year – not before and not after.

Try it. By-the-way, my word for this coming year is “focus.” What’s yours? If you’d like to share it with me, I’d love to hear it. Send me an email at ann@smartstrategiesinc.com

THREE NEW YEAR OPPORTUNITIES

1. For anyone who wants to learn the process I just talked about
Many of you who took my "Get Your Year In Gear" program (GYYIG) this past Fall told me how much the tools helped bring order to your life and make it possible to begin 2006 with a clear plan.

Others have asked when I plan to run the next "Get Your Year In Gear" so they too can get in on the great tools.

OK - here’s the scoop.

Originally, the plan was to wait until Fall 2006 – BUT – because of the requests, I’ve decided to give one more opportunity for you to get the materials that so many found useful.

January 9th, the virtual version of GYYIG begins. This means that, for just $187, you will receive four lessons (one per week for four weeks) packed with instruction, examples and tools via email.

As part of the program, I will also set up a one-hour, group call for every Wednesday following distribution of each lesson. Whoever calls into the conference line will benefit from being coached on the material they received.

To get more information and to register, click here Get Your Year In Gear ONLINE .You won’t regret it. Here's what Janet had to say after she participated in this program.

"This was my first experience in a tele-class with lessons emailed to me and then being able to call in to ask questions that met my specific needs. I was impressed with the great tools and structure and loved that it started with big picture and got down to daily time and task management.

"The program is also about our whole life and achieving great balance, not just about managing our business life. It’s a wonderful model of integrated life planning that will help me focus on ALL things important in my life." Janet Frood, London, ON

GYYIG ONLINE starts January 9th. Click here to Get Your Year In Gear ONLINE

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2. For website and blog enthusiasts
If you are serious about blogging and/or exploring what it can do for you and your website and business, here is a product that I highly recommend.

Sherman Hu is offering 22 free videos to introduce people to a comprehensive series he has developed for setting up, customizing, using, and marketing with a blogging platform called WordPress. It was launched on December 19th and has already met with rave reviews. Visit WordPressTutorials to view the video trailer and to register for a free sneak preview of the first volume of this incredible new series.

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3. For business owners and their teams
In the first week of January you will receive an email from me with the opportunity to get involved in the premier year of The Smart Business School launching February 1. Some of you have brainstormed with me about this one-year program for business owners and their teams. And it's finally here. Watch your email for how you can take advantage of this one-year program that will give group and one-on-one coaching for you as a business owner, AND quarterly training workshops for you and your team, AND so much more.

HERE'S TO 2006
May you and your family have a Very Happy New Year.

Ann Griffiths
ann@smartstrategiesinc.com